Saint · 1505
Gennadius
Saint Gennadius, Archbishop of Novgorod (1505)
New Calendar December 17 Old Calendar December 30
Why they are a saint
He was of noble birth, but entered monastic life at Valaam. He lived as a hermit on the island of Solovki from 1430 until 1447, when he was appointed abbot of the Chudov Monastery in Moscow. In 1484 he became Bishop of Novgorod. Venerated as a hierarch, a bishop who shepherded the Church in holiness.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Gennadius as a patron when they bear the name Gennadius at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on December 17. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Gennadius, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.